Hiawatha National Forest

Forest Overview

The Hiawatha National Forest is tucked between three of the Great Lakes, covering 879,000 acres in the central and eastern portions of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The forest provides unique recreational and sightseeing experiences for visitors. It is characterized by rolling hills forested with northern hardwoods, white pine, and hemlock; flat land covered by red pine, jack pine and aspen; and large open and tree-covered wetlands. The Great Lakes and surrounding areas provide unique habitats for a diversity of wildlife species.

What We Are Doing

Kirtland’s Warbler is a rare songbird that nests in very few places on Earth, including just a few areas in Michigan. This small, colorful bird nests on the ground under the living branches of small jack pine trees – a pair of them needs 30 to 40 acres to raise a nest of young.

A drastic decline in its numbers led the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list the Kirtland’s Warbler as an endangered species in 1973. To provide suitable habitat for Kirtland’s Warbler in the Hiawatha national Forest, we are planting 137,000 jack pine trees at a high density to create plentiful nesting sites, ensuring that the species continues to reproduce and thrive.

You can help repair damage to wildlife habitats. Read about our efforts in each and restore the awe-inspiring beauty of our state and national forests.

We inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization. A million members, donors, and partners support our programs to make our world greener and healthier.
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